Geek+, a Chinese manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, has established significant operations across British warehouses, with major retailers including Tesco, Asda and Next adopting its technology. The company’s floor robots navigate warehouses using QR code markers, lifting storage shelves and transporting goods to workers. This approach allows retailers to increase picking speeds, utilize hard-to-reach storage spaces, and reduce operational errors compared to traditional fixed conveyor systems.
Geek+ listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange last year in what was described as one of the largest robotics sector listings of 2025. The UK has become the company’s largest European market, with partner MotionTech deploying more than 2,000 robots across 10 warehouse sites. Industry representatives cite customer demand for fast deployment, high-volume storage capacity, and reduced workforce requirements as key drivers of adoption. Labour shortages in the UK have further accelerated interest in warehouse automation solutions.
The broader context of robotics adoption in Britain reflects longstanding productivity concerns. The OECD noted in its 2026 SME Technology Adoption report that the UK’s robotics and automation adoption lags behind comparable nations despite the country’s manufacturing heritage and one of Europe’s largest e-commerce sectors. However, the Trades Union Congress has urged policymakers to ensure workers are involved in automation decisions and that employers invest in retraining rather than simply reducing headcount.
China’s robotics sector has become a strategic priority under government initiatives promoting what are termed “new quality productive forces.” Chinese companies are leveraging supply chains and technologies developed for the electric vehicle industry, including batteries, motors, sensors and semiconductors. XPeng and other Chinese firms are expanding beyond their original sectors, with executives describing future roles that encompass both vehicle manufacturing and robotics.
This week, the US imposed a ban on importing new foreign-made advanced robots, citing national security concerns. The move represents a potential setback to China’s robotics export ambitions, though Chinese-made systems already operating in British warehouses continue functioning. Geek+ is advancing toward fully automated warehouse solutions, while other Chinese companies invest heavily in humanoid robots, though practical applications for such systems remain limited compared to task-specific mobile robots currently deployed in logistics operations.
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